Medicament applicator

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for inserting a medicament into a body cavity are described. The apparatus comprises an elongate tube with a plunger rod therein. The plunger rod has at least one projection which cooperatively interacts or engages with at least one discontinuity on the inside of the elongate tube so that proximal movement of the plunger rod with respect to the elongate tube expels the medicament into the body cavity.

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to an apparatus and amethod for introducing a medicament into a body cavity. Specificembodiments of the disclosure are directed to apparatus and methods foradministering a medicament vaginally.

Instruments for inserting a suppository commonly hold the suppository ata first end of a tubular body with a plunger rod accessible from asecond end of the tubular body to forcefully expel the suppository.Before use, the typical suppository insertion tool has aloosely-positioned plunger rod within the tubular body. Supportstructures hold the plunger rod in place to prevent it from becomingdislodged from the tubular body to avoid contamination of the plungerrod. Contamination of the plunger rod with foreign matter and/ormicroorganisms is undesirable as these contaminants can be transferredto the user.

Some suppository insertion tools include a flange/shoulder combinationto hold the plunger rod in place. These flange/shoulder combinations arepositioned immediately adjacent the suppository being used. Thisplacement is useful to support the suppository prior to use. However,pressure on the other end of the plunger rod, for example, whenoperating the tool, can cause the plunger rod to deform and bow alongits length. If the plunger rod becomes bowed, the end of the plunger rodadjacent the suppository becomes skewed and can damage the suppositoryduring insertion and/or adversely affect a desired straight trajectoryof the expelled suppository.

There is a continuing need in the art for reliable and cost effectivemedicament dose insertion devices. The devices need to be simple indesign, to promote both ease of manufacturing and patient compliance. Inaddition, many existing commercially available devices do notreproducibly deliver medicaments, as can be indicated by measuring thedistances traveled by expelled dosage forms when the devices areactuated.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides an assembly for introducinga medicament into a body cavity, the assembly comprising: an elongatetube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, an innersurface and an opening extending from the distal end to the proximalend, the proximal end adapted to support a medicament, the elongate tubecomprising at least one radial discontinuity adjacent the distal end andextending inwardly from the inner surface of the tube; and a plunger rodhaving an elongate body with a distal end and a proximal end, theplunger rod adapted to be slidably engaged within the tube, the plungerrod comprising at least two axially spaced projections adjacent thedistal end of the elongate body that cooperatively engages with the atleast one radial discontinuity.

In embodiments, the proximal end of the elongate tube contains amedicament. In certain embodiments, the medicament is a tablet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a medicament insertion toolin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an elongate tube in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of a portion of the elongate tube of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an elongate tube in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows an expanded view of a portion of the elongate tube of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 shows an expanded view of a portion of the elongate tube of FIG.4;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a plunger rod in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a plunger rod in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows an expanded view of a portion of the plunger rod of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows an expanded view of a portion of the plunger rod of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 shows a partial perspective view of a medicament insertion toolin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 12A shows an expanded view of the distal end of a medicamentinsertion tool in the ready-to-use configuration in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 12B shows an expanded view of the proximal end of a medicamentinsertion tool in the ready-to-use configuration in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 13A shows an expanded view of the distal end of a medicamentinsertion tool after delivery, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 13B shows an expanded view of the proximal end of a medicamentinsertion tool after delivery, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Medicaments that can be delivered using an apparatus of the presentdisclosure can be in the forms of inserts (i.e., tablets orsuppositories), capsules, creams, gels, etc. Drug substances that can beincorporated into the medicaments include those suitable for eitherhuman or veterinary therapy. In embodiments, the medicaments areintended for oral administration when human or veterinary patients willnot readily swallow a dosage form. In other embodiments, medicaments areintended for administration into a body cavity or onto the eye, where adrug will have a local effect or be absorbed through mucosa.

For purposes of illustration, an applicator device particularly suitedfor administering a solid dosage form intravaginally will be describedbelow. Those skilled in the art will be aware of modifications that canbe made for administering medicaments of various other types into otherbody cavities. By selecting an appropriate body length, embodiments ofthe device described below can be used for intrauterine medicamentadministration.

Referring to FIG. 1, one or more embodiments are directed to assemblies100 for inserting a solid dosage form, such as tablet 190, into a bodycavity. The body cavity can be any suitable body cavity depending on themedication to be delivered. In some embodiments, the body cavity is oneor more of a mouth, vagina, nostril, ear, or anus. The assemblies 100comprise an elongate tube 110, also referred to as a barrel, and aplunger rod 150. Some embodiments of the assembly 100 further comprise atablet 190.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show embodiments of elongate tubes 110 in accordance withone or more embodiments. The elongate tube 110 has a proximal end 112, adistal end 114, an outer surface 116 and an inner surface 118. Anopening 120 extends from the distal end 114 to the proximal end 112 andforms a cavity within the elongate tube 110. The cavity holds and guidesthe plunger rod 150 as it moves to expel the medicament.

The shape of the elongate tube 110, in cross-section, can be anysuitable shape including, but not limited to, circular, elliptical,square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal. The elongatetube 110 shown in the figures has a round cross-section so that themajority of the elongate tube appears to be cylindrical. The shape ofthe cavity can be the same or different from the outer shape. Forexample, the outer surface of the elongate tube 110 may have a hexagonalcross-section, while the cavity on the inner surface is circular.

The proximal end 112 of the elongate tube 110 includes a support section122. The support section 122 supports a tablet 190, capsule, suppositoryor other suitable medication dosage form. In some embodiments, thesupport section 122 or proximal end 112 supports a medicament fordelivery to a body cavity. Although the term “tablet” is sometimes usedthroughout this specification to describe the medicament, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the dosage form is notlimited to tablets.

The support section 122 at the proximal end 112 of the elongate tube 110may include one or more components to support the medicament. In someembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the support section 122, or proximalend 112 of the elongate tube 110, includes at least two tongues 126 thatcan support the medicament. The tongues 126 can be shaped to conform tothe shape of the medicament so that there is greater surface areacontact between the tongue and the medicament. For example, in someembodiments the tongues 126 comprise concave walls 128 which engage aconvex surface of the medicament. The at least two tongues 126 helpprevent the medicament from being prematurely expelled from the proximalend 112 of the elongate tube 110.

In some embodiments, the proximal end 112 of the elongate tube 110includes at least two lips 130. One more of the lips 130 and tongues 126can be present. In some embodiments, both lips 130 and tongues 126 arepresent. The at least two lips 130 help prevent lateral movement of themedicament. As a result, the lips 130 help hold the medicament in placeuntil the user is ready to expel the medicament. The at least two lips130 of some embodiments are biased inwardly from the outer surface ofthe elongate tube 110. The lips 130 can also be shaped to conform to themedicament in similar fashion as the tongues 126. This may allow thelips 130 to be more effective at retaining the medicament so that thereis a decreased potential for premature expulsion of the medicament.

Some embodiments of the elongate tube 110 include at least one tooth 132at the support section 122. The at least one tooth 132 can be seen inFIGS. 3 and 5 and are positioned on the tongues 126. The at least onetooth 132 extends inwardly from the tongues 126 and can serve to preventthe medicament from being prematurely expelled by providing anadditional barrier that must be overcome during expulsion. The number ofteeth 132 can vary depending on the specific shape and size of themedicament and the support section 122. In some embodiments, each tongue126 has at least one tooth 132. In one or more embodiments, each tongue126, as shown in the Figures, has at least two teeth 132.

The specific medication in the tablet, capsule, etc., is dependent onlyon the desired treatment. In one or more embodiments, a tablet comprisesan estrogen, such as estradiol, and, optionally, may also include anysuitable binders, fillers and excipients. In some embodiments, a tabletcomprises an estrogen in an amount up to about 50 mcg (micrograms). Inone or more embodiments, a tablet comprises an estrogen in an amount inthe range of about 5 mcg to about 40 mcg. In some embodiments, a tabletcomprises an estrogen in an amount in the range of about 10 mcg to about25 mcg.

The elongate tube 110 includes at least one radial discontinuity 124about the inner surface 118. The at least one radial discontinuity 124of some embodiments is spaced a distance from the distal end 114 of theelongate tube 110 as shown in the Figures. However, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the radial discontinuity 124can be positioned immediately adjacent the distal end 114. In one ormore embodiments, the radial discontinuity 124 is positioned at adistance of up to about 50% of the overall length of the elongate tube110 from the distal end 114, so that the at least one radialdiscontinuity is positioned closer to the distal end 114 than to theproximal end 112 of the elongate tube 110. In some embodiments, the atleast one radial discontinuity is at least about 0.05 inches from thedistal end, or in the range of 0.03 to 0.09 inches from the distal end.Without being bound by any particular theory of operation, it isbelieved that this placement of the radial discontinuity prevents orminimizes deformation and bowing of the plunger rod 150 during use.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term“discontinuity” means any intentional irregularity in the smoothness ofthe inner surface 118 of the elongate tube 110. The radial discontinuity124 can be one or more of a projection and a recess. In the embodimentshown in the Figures, the radial discontinuity 124 is a projectionextending inwardly from the inner surface 118 of the elongate tube 110.As will be discussed further below, the shape of the discontinuity issuch that the discontinuity can cooperatively interact or engage with atleast one projection on the plunger rod. In some embodiments, thediscontinuity is a recess and the plunger rod includes at least oneprojection that cooperatively interacts or engages with the recess.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a roughened area or corrugations 134on the outer surface 116 of the elongate tube 110. The corrugations 134can be any suitable pattern or configuration and provide a textured areafor a user to grip the assembly 100. The corrugations 134 of someembodiments help to prevent slippage of the elongate tube between theuser's fingers. The corrugations 134 can be, for example, cross-hatchedor bumps and be formed into any shape. For example, the corrugations 134can include a logo, product or company name embossed therein, or thecorrugations 134 can form a logo, product or company name.

The dimensions of the elongate tube 110 can vary depending on thedesired use of the insertion tool. In some embodiments, the elongatetube has a length in the range of about 4 inches to about 6 inches, orin the range of about 4.5 inches to about 5.5 inches, or in the range ofabout 4.8 inches to about 5 inches. In one or more embodiments, theelongate tube has a length of about 4.906 inches ±1%. The diameter ofthe elongate tube can also vary depending on, for example, themedicament to be dispensed from the elongate tube. In some embodiments,the elongate tube has an outer diameter in the range of about 0.1 inchesto about 0.8 inches, or in the range of about 0.2 inches to about 0.6inches, or in the range of about 0.3 inches to about 0.4 inches. In oneor more embodiments, the elongate tube has an outer diameter of about0.314 inches ±0.5%.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the assembly 100 includes a plunger rod 150which can be used to expel the medicament from the support section 122.The plunger rod 150 has an elongate body 152 with a proximal end 154 anda distal end 156 and can slidably engage the elongate tube 110 withinthe cavity. The plunger rod comprises at least one projection adjacentthe distal end 156 of the elongate body 152. The at least one projection158 is sized and shaped to cooperatively interact with, or engage, theat least one radial discontinuity 124 on the inner surface 118 of theelongate tube 110.

In some embodiments, there are at least two axially spaced projections158 on the elongate body 152. The at least two axially spacedprojections 158 can cooperatively interact with, or engage, the at leastone radial discontinuity 124. The embodiments shown in the Figuresinclude two axially spaced projections 158. Including at least twoprojections 158 can provide additional control over the positioning ofthe plunger rod 150 within the elongate tube 110 as described furtherbelow.

The plunger rod 150 can be solid or hollow and has a cross-sectionalshape that will allow it to slide within the elongate tube 110. Forexample, if the elongate tube has a round, triangular, or squarecross-sectional shape, the plunger rod can have a similar shape.However, it is not always necessary for the shapes to be similar.

As shown in the Figures, the elongate body 152 of the plunger rod 150 ofan embodiment comprises at least two intersecting beams 160. Theintersecting beams 160 extend from the distal end 156 to the proximalend 154 of the plunger rod 150. In one or more embodiments, there aretwo intersecting beams 160 such that elongate body 152 has acruciform-shaped cross section comprising four rays. In someembodiments, the plunger rod 150 comprises three intersecting beams 160,or more, such that there are six rays (or two times the number ofbeams). The number of rays including projections 158 can vary dependingon, for example, the size of the assembly, plunger rod and medicament tobe delivered. In some embodiments, two of the four rays contain at leastone projection 158. In one or more embodiments, two of four rays containtwo axially spaced projections 158 as illustrated in the Figures.

In some embodiments, the proximal end 154 of the plunger rod 150 isundivided. This means that the proximal end 154 of the plunger rod 150is a solid material and does not contain specific definable rays. Inthese embodiments, the intersecting beams 160 extend from the distal end156 toward the proximal end 154 of the plunger rod 150 and either taperor abruptly transition to the undivided portion.

The proximal end 154 of the plunger rod 150 can have any shape suitablefor contacting and expelling the medicament. In some embodiments, theproximal end 154 of the plunger rod 150 is blunt. This can be seen inthe Figures as a proximal cap 162 on the proximal end 154 of the plungerrod 150. The proximal cap 162 can be blunt (or flat ended) or have ashape conforming to the portion of the medicament that the proximal cap162 will contact. In other embodiments, the proximal end 154 has arounded surface. Various embodiments avoid providing any sharp edgesthat might come into contact with patient epithelial tissues. In certainembodiments, the length of plunger rod 150 is such that the rod willremain substantially completely within elongate body 152 after amedicament has been expelled, thereby avoiding contact between theplunger rod and epithelial tissues.

The pushing region 166 of the plunger rod 150 can be the same size(e.g., radially) or a different size than the remainder of the plungerrod 150. For example, the pushing region 166 of the plunger rod shown inthe Figures is smaller than the remainder of the plunger rod 150. Insome embodiments where the pushing region 166 is smaller than the restof the plunger rod, the pushing region and the proximal cap 162 are moreeasily able to fit into the support section 122 to expel the medicament.The support section 122 may have components (e.g., fingers, tongues andteeth) which make the support section 122 smaller than the remainder ofthe elongate tube 110. Therefore, if the pushing region 166 of theplunger rod 150 is smaller in diameter, then the pushing region 166 willmore easily fit into the support section 122.

The distal end 156 of the plunger rod 150 may also include a thumbpress164 which can be smooth or textured. In some embodiments, the thumbpress164 is textured to prevent slippage of the user's thumb or finger fromthe thumbpress 164.

The plunger rod 150 may also include one or more openings 168 adjacentthe at least one projection 158. The openings 168 can be positionedalong the rays containing the projections adjacent the projections.Without being bound by any particular theory of operation, it isbelieved that the openings allow for some flexing in the plunger rod 150at the projections 158 so that the projections can move relative to theat least one discontinuity.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12A, the at least one radialdiscontinuity 124 on the elongate tube 110 is cooperatively engagedbetween the at least two axially spaced projections 158 on the elongatebody of the plunger rod 150. Such an arrangement is suitable tosubstantially prevent spontaneous movement of the plunger rod 150distally or proximally with respect to the elongate tube 110. As used inthis specification and the appended claims, the term “substantiallyprevent spontaneous movement” means that the plunger rod does not movedistally or proximally with respect to the elongate tube 110 to theextent that one or more of the projections moves past the at least onediscontinuity or that the medicament is spontaneously expelled from theassembly. This means that minor movement of the plunger rod eitherdistally or proximally with respect to the elongate tube is possible,but such movement is inconsequential to the operation of the assembly.

The physical dimensions of the plunger rod 150 can vary depending on thedesired use of the suppository insertion tool. The dimensions of theplunger rod allow the plunger rod to cooperatively interact with theelongate tube. In some embodiments, the plunger rod has a length in therange of about 4 inches to about 6 inches, or in the range of about 4.5inches to about 5.5 inches, or in the range of about 4.8 inches to about5 inches. In one or more embodiments, the plunger rod has a length ofabout 4.960 inches ±1%. The diameter of the plunger rod can also varydepending on, for example, the medicament to be dispensed from theelongate tube. In some embodiments, the plunger rod has a diameter nearthe proximal end in the range of about 0.05 inches to about 0.6 inches,or in the range of about 0.1 inches to about 0.4 inches, or in the rangeof about 0.14 inches to about 0.15 inches. In one or more embodiments,the elongate tube has an outer diameter of about 0.141 inches ±1%.

The operation of one or more embodiments of the assembly is describedwith respect to FIGS. 12 and 13. As shown in FIG. 12A, the at least twoaxially spaced projections 158 on the elongate body 152 of the plungerrod 150 are positioned on opposite sides of the at least onediscontinuity 124 on the inner surface 118 of the elongate tube 110. Theplunger rod 150 can be placed into this position during manufacturing ofthe assembly (i.e., before sale of a completed unit) or aftermanufacture (i.e., by an end user). The position of the plunger rod 150shown in FIG. 12A substantially prevents proximal or distal movement ofthe plunger rod. This position may be useful to ensure that the end userhas the assembly in a ready-to-use configuration.

The at least one projection 158 is shown positioned at a sufficientdistance from the distal end 156 of the plunger rod 150 such that theproximal end 154 of the plunger rod 150, and the proximal cap 162, arepositioned distally from the tablet 190. Referring to FIG. 12B, theproximal end 154 of the plunger rod 150 is in position to expel thetablet 190 upon proximal movement of the plunger rod 150. However,because of the placement of the projections 158 relative to the at leastone discontinuity 124, expulsion cannot occur spontaneously. In thepositions shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the assembly is loaded with atablet 190 and ready for use.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, proximal movement of the plunger rod 150relative to the elongate tube 110 expels the tablet 190. In FIG. 13A, itcan be seen that both of the projections 158 on the plunger rod 150 havebeen moved proximal of the at least one discontinuity 124. Since thiscannot occur spontaneously, it will likely be the result of proximallydirected force on the plunger rod 150. For example, the user may applypressure to the thumbpress 164 to expel the tablet 190. In FIG. 13B, theproximal cap 162 of the plunger rod 150 has contacted the tablet 190 andforced it out of the elongate tube 110. If the proximal end 112 of theelongate tube 110 has been positioned in a body cavity, the tablet 190will be expelled into that cavity.

The projections 158 on the plunger rod 150 may be positioned a distancefrom the distal end 156 of the plunger rod 150 and the thumbpress 164,so that proximal movement of the plunger rod 150 causes the thumbpress164 to contact the distal end 114 of the elongate tube 110. The contactof the thumbpress 164 with the elongate tube 110 may serve to stopfurther proximal movement so that the proximal cap of the plunger rod150 does not protrude from the proximal end of the elongate tube 110.The distance between the thumbpress 164 and the projections 158 can betuned to allow or prevent such protrusion.

In alternate embodiments, there are two radial discontinuities 124 onthe inner surface 118 of the elongate tube 110. The radialdiscontinuities 124 are spaced along the length of the elongate tube 110so that there is a distal discontinuity and a proximal discontinuity.The plunger rod 150 includes a single projection 158 which can be movedfrom the distal discontinuity to the proximal discontinuity. In theready-to-use position, the projection 158 is engaged with the distaldiscontinuity which holds the plunger rod in position to expel themedicament. When force is applied to the thumbpress in the proximaldirection, the projection 158 slides from the distal discontinuity tothe proximal discontinuity, and the proximal end of the plunger rodexpels the medicament.

Both the elongate tube 110 and the plunger rod 150 can be made from anysuitable materials. Additionally, each component can be integrallyformed or made up of multiple pieces. In some embodiments, each of theelongate tube and the plunger rod are independently made from a materialcomprising one or more of polypropylene and high-density polyethylene.The apparatus is well-suited for inexpensive component manufacturingfrom any desired thermoplastic materials, using single- ormultiple-cavity molds. In embodiments, the apparatus is intended fordelivering a prefilled medicament and will be discarded after use.

Embodiments of the disclosed apparatus can reproducibly expel a 6 mmdiameter tablet to distances at least 10 inches from the proximal tip.

Certain modifications can be made to the apparatus for delivering fluidmedicaments, such as semi-solid creams, gels, etc., and liquids. Forsuch medicaments, the proximal end of the elongate tube will not havethe above-described support section for retaining a solid dosage formbut rather will have a substantially uniform internal shape and becapable of being closed, such as with a removable plug, to contain andprotect the contained medicament until it is intended to be dispensed.The plunger tip also will have a sealing relationship with the interiorsurface of the elongate tube. In embodiments, the proximal end can befitted with a tip that enables delivery of a medicament in desireddimensions, and facilitates application onto a desired portion of theanatomy. The tip can be affixed after removal of the closure, or can bepermanently or removably attached during manufacture of the elongatetube or after filling of the medicament into the tube. For fluidmedicaments, the contained medicament quantity can be delivered in asingle step or can be delivered in portions, at different times and/orto different locations.

Applicator devices, constructed in accordance with this disclosure, aretested for their ability to reproducibly expel a 6 mm diametercylindrical tablet. Applicators supplied with the commercial productVAGIFEM® estradiol (10 mcg) vaginal tablets, and having similar barreland plunger rod dimensions, are also tested. In the tests, a unit isunwrapped and the presence of a tablet contained at the proximal end ofthe applicator is verified. The applicator is placed flat on a hardsurface and gripped with the hand, such that a finger placed over thedistal plunger end can depress the plunger. Pressure is graduallyapplied to the plunger end until the device is actuated and the tabletis expelled. The tablet distance from the applicator proximal tip isthen measured. The table below shows results obtained from testing unitsfrom two manufacturing batches of the “test” applicators according tothe present disclosure and four lot numbers of marketed VAGIFEMapplicators. The VAGIFEM applicators appear to be constructed generallyin accordance with the description in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,946.

Distance Traveled (inches) Test VAGIFEM ® Unit K11K00542A K11K00543AAE70133 AE70253 AE70273 AE70274 1 15 17 6 15 3 42 2 29 19 7 22 4 16 3 2916 9 54 4 38 4 26 27 8 42 3 40 5 25 23 7 21 4 46 6 30 20 12 70 5 18 7 2629 7 34 6 36 8 25 24 4 12 7 18 9 30 26 5 33 5 34 10 38 30 3 60 3 43 1121 31 4 10 4 33 12 28 23 7 27 5 10 Average 26.83 23.75 6.58 33.33 4.4231.17 Std. 5.54 5.03 2.47 19.57 1.24 12.29 Dev.

Although the apparatus has been described herein with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications and variations can be made to the method andapparatus of the present disclosure without departing from the spiritand scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the presentdisclosure includes all modifications and variations that are within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. An assembly for introducing a medicament into a bodycavity, the assembly comprising: an elongate tube having a proximal end,a distal end, an outer surface, an inner surface and an openingextending from the distal end to the proximal end, the proximal endadapted to support a medicament, the elongate tube comprising at leastone radial discontinuity adjacent the distal end and extending inwardlyfrom the inner surface of the tube; and a plunger rod having an elongatebody with a distal end and a proximal end, the plunger rod adapted to beslidably engaged within the tube, the plunger rod comprising at leasttwo axially spaced projections adjacent the distal end of the elongatebody that cooperatively engages with the at least one radialdiscontinuity.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least oneradial discontinuity on the elongate tube cooperatively engages betweenthe at least two axially spaced projections on the elongate body of theplunger rod.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein when the at least oneradial discontinuity on the elongate tube is cooperatively engagedbetween the at least two axially spaced projections on the elongate bodyof the plunger rod, spontaneous movement of the plunger rod distally orproximally with respect to the elongate tube is substantially prevented.4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the elongatetube contains a medicament.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein themedicament is a tablet.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the tabletcomprises an estrogen compound.
 7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein thetablet comprises from about 10 mcg to about 25 mcg of an estrogencompound.
 8. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least two axiallyspaced projections on the elongate body are positioned a sufficientdistance from the distal end of the plunger rod such that when the atleast one radial discontinuity on the elongate tube is cooperativelyengaged between the at least two axially spaced projections, proximalmovement of the plunger rod with respect to the elongate tube causes theproximal end of the plunger rod to expel the medicament from theproximal end of the elongate tube.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe elongate body of the plunger rod comprises two intersecting beamsextending from the distal end to the proximal end, such that elongatebody has a cruciform-shaped cross section comprising four rays.
 10. Theassembly of claim 9, wherein two of the four rays each contain twoaxially spaced projections.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thedistal end of the plunger rod is undivided.
 12. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the distal end of the plunger rod is blunt or rounded.
 13. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the elongate tubecomprises at least two tongues adapted to support the medicament. 14.The assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least two tongues each compriserecessed walls adapted to engage the surface of the medicament.
 15. Theassembly of claim 13, wherein the at least two tongues prevent themedicament from being prematurely expelled from the proximal end of theelongate tube.
 16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the proximal end ofthe elongate tube further comprises at least two lips adapted to preventlateral movement of the medicament.
 17. The assembly of claim 16,wherein the at least lips are biased inward from the outer surface ofthe elongate tube at its proximal end.
 18. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the plunger rod further comprises a thumbpress on the distalend.
 19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of theelongate tube comprises at least one roughened surface adapted toprevent slippage of the elongate tube between a user's fingers.
 20. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein each of the elongate tube and plunger rodare made from a material comprising one or more of polypropylene andhigh-density polyethylene.
 21. A method of depositing a medicament intoa body cavity, the method comprising: inserting the distal end of theelongate tube of the assembly of claim 8 into the body cavity; andexpelling the medicament into the body cavity.
 22. The method of claim21 wherein the step of expelling the medicament comprises applyingproximally directed pressure to the proximal end of the plunger rod suchthat the plunger rod moves proximally with respect to the elongate tubecausing the at least one radial discontinuity on the elongate tube todisengage from the at least two radial projections on the elongate bodyof the plunger rod.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the medicamentis a tablet.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the tablet comprises anestrogen compound.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the tabletcomprises from about 10 mcg to about 25 mcg of an estrogen compound. 26.The method of claim 25, wherein the body cavity is a vagina.